Run is fading

cwhite

 I am 10 weeks out from Augusta and my long run has really been nose diving the last few weeks.  Today I was supposed to go 1:45 and only made 1:10 before bagging it.  I'm starting to get a little concerned.  My question is should I stay the course and just try to push through this problem or should I alter my run training to make sure I can hit the distance?

Trent Prough

Listen to the body. TAKE A BREAK. Might need to be longer than you think or want it to be but do it, it'll benefit you later in the long run. (No pun)

I ran into same thing twice this year and first go around just took 2 complete days off and then back at it, but eventually started heading down the path again. Basically ended up with 3 days completely off and the rest of the week with easy to moderate stuff. Did my body good and then I was ready to hit it again. 4 weeks later got a nice Vdot bump even.

cgres123

@ Chris, What is your Vdot if you are a slower runner, as I am, the run wears on you real quick not to mention the heat etc,...
If your interval calls for 1/2 mile at X with (2') recovery try to break things down to say 1/4 mile @ X with a (1') recovery and make make your recovery time a walk. Get some caffinated Gu / stay hydrated.

Joseph Lombardi

 Not sure I'm clear on the question; You can't complete the time at your goal pace? or you just can't complete the time?

This season I have made a concerted effort to slow down/run conservatively on my long runs because of the heat; I would typically try and go out an run my normal easy pace (7:45-7:55's) for the alotted time (usuallly run out easy back harder for a 7:45 ish avg. pace)....last year I crumbled in the heat...either couldn't go as long as I wanted or had to slow drastically or walking breaks more oftent.

This past 6 weeks (I am in week 16 of 20 targeting IMLou)...I have been generally following the EN long run guidance and running 8:15-8:30 (even slower based on the heat adjustments)...particularly for up to 2/3 of the time/distance....then I run how I feel or continue at the slower pace...I feel much better.

So my point is....maybe you just need to slow down...and cover the time...be less concerned about the pace.

 

GMAN 19030

Posted By Chris White on 26 Jul 2012 07:38 PM

 I am 10 weeks out from Augusta and my long run has really been nose diving the last few weeks.  Today I was supposed to go 1:45 and only made 1:10 before bagging it.  I'm starting to get a little concerned.  My question is should I stay the course and just try to push through this problem or should I alter my run training to make sure I can hit the distance?

 

I'll assume from the wording of your last sentence that you're not able to keep up with your run paces and it's making it real difficult to get through your runs.  I see you live in Florida.  I see that it's the end of July.  I'm going to assume you're not using heat adjusted pacing.

http://members.endurancenation.us/Resources/HeatPaceCalc/tabid/231/Default.aspx

You're going to need to slow your pacing in order to get through a long, hot run.

new2703

The heat and humidity make a huge difference. Agree with Bob need to adjust paces to account for heat factor

cwhite

Thanks everyone for the input! I think a combination of backing off a little on the pace and giving my legs a couple days off will do wonders.